BROADWAY, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – The Broadway Town Council has voted to terminate police chief Doug Miller.

Council members took action during a special meeting called on Friday, Oct. 4. The only item listed on the agenda was “Consideration of Personnel Matters,” with no further details.

Mayor David Jordan released a statement to the media on behalf of the town:

“After careful consideration in recent weeks, the Town Council has determined that the Town’s police department will benefit from new leadership. The Town Council implemented that decision this evening, and Chief Miller is no longer an employee of the Town. We thank Mr. Miller for his service to our community, and wish him well in his future endeavors. Our search for a new Police Chief will begin very soon, and we will update the public regarding this search as we have news to share. The Town will have no further statement to make regarding this personnel matter.”

– David Jordan, mayor of Broadway
According to reports, Miller was not present at the meeting, but released his own statement via Facebook on Friday evening in response to his termination. 

“I was informed today that my employment with The Town of Broadway has been terminated, effective immediately. I was placed on administrative leave on October 3, 2024 and was instructed by the Mayor that I had twenty-four hours to determine if I chose to resign my position, if not, it was implied that I would be terminated. I was not given a reason for being placed on administrative leave nor a reason for my termination however when one is provided it will be made public.

My goal as the Chief of Police was to ensure the safety of the residents of Broadway and to do so in a professional manner. I feel that I have done so in my tenure with the Town. To say this has caught me off guard would be an understatement. The Town and residents have always been my number one priority. My twenty-eight years in law enforcement beginning with the City of Harrisonburg Police Department, then Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office and the Town of Broadway has been extremely rewarding.

At this point, I can only speculate on the reasons for my dismissal by the Town Council. However, recent events involving some members of Town Council have led me to believe that they feel they are entitled to “privileges” that are not afforded to residents not on the Town Council. My job is to enforce the law as I was sworn to do; regardless of the person(s) involved, of which I have done throughout my career.

2024 has brought about many changes to Town personnel in leadership positions. Beginning with the removal of the Town Manager, the resignation of the interim Town Manager, Deputy Town Manager, Town Council Member and now the Police Chief. The common denominator is the Town Council. What was once a very stable community has been turned upside down in a matter of months due to the decisions of said Town Council.

The Town of Broadway is a great community and one that I have been a part of my entire life. I want nothing more than the Town to once again thrive and it pains me that it has come to this. I am proud of my service to the Town and its residents and wish nothing but the best for both. I can only hope and pray that change will soon come your way.”

– Doug Miller, Broadway’s former chief of police
Neither council members nor Broadway Town Staff have offered any further comment regarding the matter, and no reasons were given for Miller’s termination. 
Miller’s termination is the latest in a series of events that have sparked tension in Broadway over the past several months, as many residents suspected mishandling of finances amidst allegations of funds missing from the town’s coffers. Several of Broadway’s town council members repeatedly denied that any money had gone missing. 
 
Virginia State Police investigated the situation in June, but closed the investigation a short time later as they found no evidence of wrongdoing.
Former council member Leslie Fulk, who was outspoken in his criticism of his fellow council members’ conduct amidst the allegations of missing funds, resigned in June. Elizabeth Fawley, who served on the town’s planning commission, was appointed to serve out the remainder of Fulks’ term. 
This is a developing story, and will be updated as more information becomes available.